#7
Northwestern’s rank among national universities
by U.S. News & World Report
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Why study mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineers are problem-solvers who design and develop products, processes, and systems that impact a wide range of areas, including infrastructure, healthcare, security, manufacturing, and the environment. Their work touches everything from the ocean to space, on both micro and macro scales.
Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the bachelor of science in mechanical engineering provides students with a strong foundation in a rapidly diversifying field and allows them to customize the curriculum based on their interests and professional goals. Students can choose from a set of concentrations: an ME Breadth concentration, which provides training in core and emerging areas of mechanical engineering, and several specialized concentrations.
Imagine yourself:
- Engineering dexterous robot hands that can assist humans with manufacturing, caregiving, handling precious or dangerous materials, and more
- Developing technologies to capture smog and toxic droplets from air, and microplastics and oil from water
- Advancing methods to fabricate better-quality products more efficiently and economically
- Designing robots to help people with severe motor impairments operate wheelchairs more independently
- Creating filtration systems and brine purification technologies to reduce water use in energy, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors
Why Northwestern?
Earn your degree from a world-class institution that leads research in the field
World-renowned faculty
20 national academy memberships, 11 university teaching awards, and ⅓ of faculty among the top 1% and ¾ of faculty among the top 10% most cited researchers (Clarivate)
7
undergraduate concentrations
Students can choose a specialized concentration, such as Aerospace Engineering, Design, Energy Systems and Sustainability, Manufacturing, Mechanical Sciences, and Robotics, or opt to tailor their academic program to their own interests with the Breadth concentration.
Meet Our Graduates
Ben ForbesBS/MS ’24
PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering, UCLA
“Whether it was analyzing the landing gear of an F-18 aircraft in ME 362: Stress Analysis or reimagining the way we hold our keys in DSGN 308: Human-Centered Product Design, I am convinced my Northwestern Engineering education has set me up well to solve a myriad problems.”
Turner DavidsonBS ’25
Vehicle Design Engineer, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing
Leveraging a lifelong passion for automotive design with technical expertise gained in the mechanical engineering curriculum, Davidson now helps shape the future of off-road innovation in industry.
Youssef AbdelhalimBS/MS ’25
Thermal Management & Simulation Engineer, Aster Space Technologies
With a concentration in aerospace engineering, Abdelhalim spent two years conducting award-winning research alongside classmates and Assistant Professor of Instruction Jeremy Keys on hybrid rocket engines.
Curriculum
The basics at-a-glance
Design, laboratory, and project courses are spread throughout the curriculum, allowing students to acquire a taste for the complex task of designing, building, and analyzing devices and experiments. Technical electives and supporting courses in allied fields of science and engineering broaden the student’s technical proficiency, while student-chosen courses in social sciences, fine arts, history, and philosophy expand and complement the student’s comprehensive education.
Coursework
Students must complete 48 courses, including required courses in mathematics, engineering, and science; and 16 mechanical engineering major courses, including 6 technical electives, which allow the student to concentrate in an area of interest, and 2 capstone design courses.
Whole-Brain Engineering
Comprised of two integrated course sequences, Engineering Analysis and Design Thinking and Communication (DTC), our innovative first-year curriculum provides students with the fundamentals of a successful engineering education, and lets them experience real engineering early in their undergraduate careers.
Experiential Learning and Research
Throughout their time at Northwestern, students work on real-world projects — designing, building, and testing their ideas — for individuals, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and industry. Many students also work one-on-one with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.
Areas of Concentration
Our curriculum provides tremendous flexibility to customize the curriculum to your interests and professional goals through earning one of the following concentrations:
ME Breadth
Aerospace Engineering
Design
Energy Systems and Sustainability
Manufacturing
Mechanical Sciences
Robotics
Combined BS/MS Program
McCormick’s Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree.
Beyond the Classroom
Gain the experiences and connections that will prepare you for the next step in your career
Get ready to launch a new idea
Our students explore entrepreneurship and leadership through courses and fellowships at the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as well as incubation and startup support at The Garage.
Network in our student groups
Outside of the classroom, students enjoy participating in clubs, such as NUStars, Northwestern’s Space Technology and Rocketry Society; the NU Robotics Club; Pi Tau Sigma, the national honorary fraternity for mechanical engineering; and ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Broaden your perspective by studying abroad
Northwestern encourages students in all of its undergraduate schools to study abroad. Study Abroad Office staff and advisers will work closely with you to help you connect your academic and personal goals to an international credit-bearing experience.
Career Paths
Where do we go from here?
Northwestern students earning a BS in mechanical engineering go on to careers in both industry and academia. Some students also continue their studies in MS and PhD programs at prestigious universities around the country, including Northwestern.
While at Northwestern, our students benefit from professional development opportunities that prepare them for the next step in their careers. They can participate in the Cooperative Engineering Education Program, receiving up to 18 months working in industry while pursuing their degree, or gain practical work experience through internships. They have access to extensive career education and placement resources via both Northwestern Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement.
Where our alumni attend graduate school
Where our alumni work in industry
Visit Northwestern
We encourage you to visit our campus and learn about the Northwestern Engineering first hand.